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. 2010 Nov-Dec;45(6):642-4.
doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-45.6.642.

Temperature measurement reliability and validity with thermocouple extension leads or changing lead temperature

Lisa S Jutte  1 , Blaine C Long, Kenneth L Knight
Affiliations

Temperature measurement reliability and validity with thermocouple extension leads or changing lead temperature

Lisa S Jutte et al. J Athl Train. 2010 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Context: Thermocouples' leads are often too short, necessitating the use of an extension lead.

Objective: To determine if temperature measures were influenced by extension-lead use or lead temperature changes.

Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting: Laboratory.

Other participants: Experiment 1: 10 IT-21 thermocouples and 5 extension leads. Experiment 2: 5 IT-21 and PT-6 thermocouples.

Methods: In experiment 1, temperature data were collected on 10 IT-21 thermocouples in a stable water bath with and without extension leads. In experiment 2, temperature data were collected on 5 IT-21 and PT-6 thermocouples in a stable water bath before, during, and after ice-pack application to extension leads.

Results: In experiment 1, extension leads did not influence IT-21 validity (P = .45) or reliability (P = .10). In experiment 2, postapplication IT-21 temperatures were greater than preapplication and application measures (P < .05).

Conclusions: Extension leads had no influence on temperature measures. Ice application to leads may increase measurement error.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
The distal ends of 10 IT-21 thermocouples were inserted through a polystyrene cooler, secured with a silicone-based polymer, and connected to the Iso-Thermex.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. National Institute of Standards and Technology. The NIST reference on constants, units, and uncertainty: glossary. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Web site. http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Uncertainty/glossary.html. Updated October 2000. Accessed February 21, 2005.
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    1. Jutte L. S., Knight K. L., Long B. C. Reliability and validity of electrothermometers and associated thermocouples. J Sport Rehabil. 2008;17(1):50–59. - PubMed

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